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2013 Elections: Executive and Legislative Results

Two states headed to the polls Tuesday to elect executive and legislative branch officials.

In New Jersey, yesterday’s elections resulted in very little change. The gubernatorial race outcome was as many predicted, with incumbent Republican Gov. Chris Christie easily defeating Democrat Barbara Buono.

The Democrats held onto both houses of the Legislature as well. The makeup of the Senate remained virtually unchanged--all 39 incumbents running for re-election were victorious and the Democrats still hold a 24-16 advantage over Republicans. Republicans gained some ground in the Assembly, picking up two seats. With 72 out of 74 incumbents winning re-election, the Democrats now hold a 45 to 35 advantage, according to unoffical results.

In Virginia, Democrat Terry McAuliffe narrowly defeated Republican Ken Cuccinelli in the race for governor. McAuliffe’s victory over the state’s outgoing attorney general marked the first time since Reconstruction that a party has held Virginia’s governorship for only one term, according to the Richmond Times Dispatch.

Other executive branch races in Virginia saw Democratic state Sen. Ralph Northam easily defeat Republican E.W. Jackson for lieutenant governor. And in a battle of two current state senators, the race for attorney general is still too close to call. Democrat Mark Herring has a slim 616 vote lead over Republican Mark Obenshain with 99 percent of precincts reporting.

The Virginia House of Delegates remained firmly in Republican control after Tuesday’s elections. Eighty-five of the 87 incumbents running for re-election successfully retained their seats. Unofficial results have the Republicans decisively holding onto control with a 67 to 33 advantage.

In Washington state, the outcome of an important special election for state Senate District 26 is yet to be decided. Republican Rep. Jan Angel currently holds a lead of less than 800 votes over Democratic Sen. Nathan Schlicher. If Angel holds on to win, she will help the Majority Coalition Caucus (made up of Senate Republicans and two Democrats) increase their majority to 26-24 in the Senate.